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7 1 I H I G H L I G H T S 2 0 2 2

The nano-imaging beamline ID16A returned to full onsite user operation over 2022. New staff have been integrated, strengthening the activities in neurosciences, additive manufacturing and machine learning. The cryo- correlative workflow for cellular biology, including light fluorescence microscopy, X-ray fluorescence microscopy and X-ray phase-contrast imaging, is increasingly used. This very powerful but complex approach can now benefit from the support of the ID17 Biomedical Facility in terms of cell culture and cryo-fixation. Near-field ptychography, one of the more advanced X-ray imaging techniques of the beamlines, has become accessible for standard use thanks to a dramatic reduction of the acquisition overheads and the streamlining of the data processing using Pynx, Octave and Nabu software. Finally, the metrology of the nanopositioning end-station has been improved with the integration of five fibre-based interferometers. This leads to a better understanding of the vibration behaviour of the end-station and a gradual return to optimal performance in terms of nanofocusing.

The nano-analysis beamline ID16B offers a multi-modal approach for ex-situ and in-situ measurements. To fully exploit the properties of the EBS, we are constantly improving the detection scheme to simultaneously combine fast acquisition of 2D X-ray fluorescence, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray excited optical luminescence and X-ray beam-induced current measurements. In the near future, materials science studies could also take advantage of fast X-ray diffraction detection thanks to the implementation of a new fast camera, while studies of biological samples will be aided by new cryogenic capabilities. Direct visualisation of the excited-state recombination dynamics is now possible thanks to the implementation of a streak camera, which allows the measurement of light emission kinetics. The X-ray nanotomography setup continues to be heavily used for in-situ experiments and ex-situ, multi-scale studies.

The refurbishment at ID21 is progressing well. In 2022, the procurement of the numerous mechanical, electronic, optical and detection elements of the future X-ray nanoscope was completed. The assembly of the nanoscope sub-parts is well advanced. The transfer to the beamline is planned for early 2023, and its commissioning will be scheduled over the first half of 2023. Complementing and outperforming the present X-ray microscope that will be retained for macro and micro-analyses, this new state-of- the-art instrument will offer higher lateral resolution and higher flux, from 2 to 11 keV (thanks to two KB focusing systems), better X-ray fluorescence detection capacities (with two five-element detectors), higher speed and an improved cryo-stage.

T. SCHÜLLI